KARACHI: Tomato prices have surged sharply in Karachi, reaching as high as Rs500 per kilogram, with consumers continuing to face high food costs despite the arrival of imported tomatoes from Iran.
According to media reports, retail prices of tomatoes have climbed to between Rs450 and Rs500 per kilogram, while some vendors are selling them at Rs110 to Rs125 per quarter kilogram (250 grams).
The increase has come despite the supply of Iranian tomatoes, which had been expected to ease the shortage and bring prices down.
Traders say that both Iranian and Quetta-grown tomatoes are currently being sold within the Rs450–500 per kilogram price range in various markets across the city.
Some retailers are offering smaller-sized and unripe tomatoes at relatively lower prices of around Rs400 per kilogram, although these are also significantly more expensive than normal market rates.
The continued rise in tomato prices has placed an additional burden on household budgets, with consumers expressing concern over the increasing cost of essential food items.
Market observers attribute the price hike to supply constraints and fluctuations in wholesale market rates, while many shoppers are hoping that improved supplies in the coming days will help stabilize prices.
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